The Dordogne is an area that is world-renowned for being one of the most beautiful areas of France, reputed for its exceptional architecture, with its 1001 châteaux, stunning scenery, rich cultural, archeological and historical patrimony and as a centre for prehistoric sites such as the Lascaux caves. It is also renowned for being a gourmet capital with daily local markets offering amazing locally grown fruit and vegetables as well as local specialities such as truffles, foie gras, ceps, strawberries, goats cheese, walnuts and local Bergerac, Monbazillac and Pécharmant wines.
This magnificent part of the world, historically popular with Parisians for second homes, as well as the British and Dutch, is gradually being discovered by a whole range of nationalities including Americans, Australians, Swiss, Belgians and Scandinavians, to name but a few, that fall under its charm and are lured by this exceptional environment and the relaxed pace of life, bringing us back to the essential pleasures of life. Simplicity is luxury!
The Dordogne sits in the south-west of France, east of Bordeaux, south of Limoges and north of Toulouse and encompasses famous towns such as Bergerac, Périgueux (the capital) and Sarlat, which has the highest density of listed buildings in France and was one of the first towns to be designated as a ‘protected area’ in France. There are also many of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages of France’, as well as many pretty bastide villages and towns such Domme and Monpazier. It has a pleasant south of France climate with hot summers, warm spring and autumn weather, and short winters.
The emblematic architecture of the Dordogne is constructed from its beautiful honey-coloured limestone with châteaux and forts that date back as far as the 8th century. The typical Dordogne architecture ranges from picturesque stone village houses, traditional “maisons périgourdines” and farmsteads, to maisons de maître, manor houses, chartreuses, and of course, châteaux.
The Dordogne river and its valley were designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2012, along with the Vezère river and valley, which also passes through the area. This designation will protect the environment and architecture for generations to come. The most desirable area of the Dordogne is the ‘Périgord Noir’ area around Sarlat, which includes the ‘Golden Triangle’ between Sarlat, Les Eyzies and Saint Cyprien, with the Valley of the Five Châteaux as its epicentre, featuring Château Beynac, Château Castelnaud, Château Marquessac, Château Fayrac and Château Les Milandes.
The Dordogne and its stunning backdrop scenery has always attracted artists, writers and filmmakers. Most recently Ridley Scott filmed his latest film, ‘The Last Duel’ in locations in the Dordogne such as Beynac and Monpazier, the sequel to his directorial debut film ‘The Duellists’, also filmed in the Dordogne. Contemporary writers such as Martin Walker and William Boyd both have residences in the Dordogne and draw their inspiration from the subtleties and curiosities of local life.
You can’t talk about famous people and the Dordogne without mentioning the singer and performer Josephine Baker. She came to Paris in 1925 from Saint Louis, Missouri, at the tender age of 19, after getting an opportunity to perform in La Revue Nègre at the Theatre des Champs-Elysées. She became an instant success for her erotic dancing and for appearing practically nude onstage, later headlining at Les Folies Bergère. She purchased Château Les Milandes in 1947, along with her husband and manager at the time Jo Bouillon, and adopted 12 children of all different nationalities who formed her ‘Rainbow Tribe’. Her most famous costume was her ‘banana skirt’ which is now in the museum dedicated to her at Château Les Milandes.
Kirsten Pollard moved to France 18 years ago. She confesses to have always been a francophile and has fond childhood memories of France as a 5 year old whilst travelling throughout Europe for a year with her parents, who were researching ancient vegetable varieties which took them to many interesting corners of Europe, as well as many holidays in France. She had always wanted to become bilingual and pursued her studies in French Language and Literature at University College London. On summer holiday travels through France as an 18 year old she discovered the beautiful Dordogne river and valley and was determined to return at some point to make it her home. She settled in the medieval village of Saint Cyprien in 2003 and raised her three children as bilinguals. With a passion not only for the French language and culture, but also the architecture, luxury real estate was the natural career for her here. She joined Maxwell Baynes Real Estate, Christies International Real Estate affiliate in 2014. having worked in luxury real estate since 2006.
“I feel very privileged to live and work in this exceptional environment that we have in the Dordogne. There is a quality of life that is rare to find these days, with its beautiful unspoiled landscape, clean rivers, pure air, great places to eat and lovely locally grown produce at the local markets, and an abundance of architectural treasures. The people are friendly, there is still a sense of community and appreciation of the simple things in life, and the climate is very pleasant. “
Kirsten Pollard, Independent Agent and Luxury Residential Specialist, Maxwell-Baynes Real Estate
To get in touch with Kirsten for advice on buying property in the Dordogne, contact kirsten@maxwellbaynes.com | +33 (0)6 74 27 26 86 or visit her profile page for more information.
Looking for a luxury château in the Dordogne?
This château and domaine with stunning views is a new listing (June 2021), available exclusively through Kirsten Pollard at Maxwell-Baynes – Christie’s International Real Estate. A rare opportunity to acquire such an estate in a prime location in the Dordogne, this property has been in the same family for over a hundred years, so hasn’t been on the market for a while. Priced at €2,800,000, to find out more about this incredible château, search reference KP1050.
Renovated farmstead near Bergerac
KP1049 is another new and exclusive listing, a contemporary renovation of a stone farmstead near Bergerac giving a very designer feel. A turnkey holiday home or permanent residence, the property features 4/5 bedrooms, a swimming pool and luxury kitchen appliances. Priced at €1,300,000 the property represents true quality, to take a virtual tour, click here.
Traditional château with guest house situated near Sarlat
KP1043 is located 3km from Sarlat and is a small scale château full of charming original features with stunning views over unspoiled countryside from the terrace. Please click on the video below to see more…
We have over 30 luxury properties for sale in the Dordogne region, ranging from chateaux, manor houses, country estates and hotels. If you’re looking to buy or sell in South West France, please contact us and our luxury real estate agents will be delighted to help you: info@maxwellbaynes.com.
Article Photos: Kirsten Pollard